If you’re in desperate need of nourishment as you drive into Tauranga on SH2 call in to this lovely cafe just off the main road at Te Puna. The kids will enjoy the two play areas too and they might even find a friendly rabbit in the garden. My favourite among the colourful array of cakes is the coconut lovers thick slab of coconut and chocolate. If you want something healthier the roast vege feta and watercress salad is nice as is the lemon pea and risotto cakes. It’s a big and busy place so don't expect too much personalised service if they're busy.
This popular eatery just picked up best cafe in the upper North Island in the 2014 Cafe of the Year awards, and the accolade was well deserved. The cabinet selection of salads is great and the staff friendly and efficient. There are two outdoor areas to enjoy your salad in the sun and a playground to keep the kids occupied.
This place tops my list because I’ve just come from a great long lunch there! My hollumi and roast vege tart was light, tasty and filling and the service was great. The cabinet was packed with freshly made pasteries and salads and there’s a breakfast / brunch menu available until 2pm. We enjoyed a wine over lunch and browsed the cornerstone shop at the cafe and two neighbouring shops afterwards. Only 10km out of town at Te Puna, this place is a great little escape with plenty of outdoor seating to sit and soak up some sun.